In a new newsletter, Mr. Scotty Bruer, founder of Peace Now and DI supporter,  shared his thoughts on justice in Syria. As the debate on the crimes against humanity committed in Syria goes on, Mr. Bruer says that we must hold leaders personally accountable for the murders, wars, and their crimes against humanity.

Mr. Bruer is a worker for peace.  He founded PeaceNow.com, a not for profit with the mission of empowering One Billion Global Citizens for the creation of Departments of Peace within all governments and peace economies.  He can be reached at www.PeaceNow.com

 

Thoughts on Justice

By Mr. Scotty Bruer

Founder of Peace Now

Peaceful Greetings,

This month’s newsletter is one that I am excited to share with our global family from 192 countries and territories. First, however, I must share my thoughts on the ongoing murders in Syria and the continual atrocities conducted by our leaders around the globe.

Justice. It is largely absent in the establishment of responsibility for waging war and crimes against humanity and nature. On Tuesday, April 4th, dozens of people were killed in Syria in a gas attack. The only global response was an air field being bombed. On April 7th; a United Nations resolution condemning the atrocity did not pass because of a veto by Russia. There are more appropriate means of response than failed resolutions and unilateralism.

The words below were taken from the judgment of the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg:

“Crimes against international law are committed by men, not by abstract entities, and only by punishing individuals who commit such crimes can the provisions of international law be enforced.”

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a more responsible means of redress for crimes committed by those that use death, cruelty, and repression against global citizens. The ICC has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Cases may be referred to the court by any of the 124 nations that have agreed to The Rome Statute or the United Nations Security Council.

We must hold leaders personally accountable for the murders, wars, and their crimes against humanity. The courtroom is the home of justice. It is the proper forum for accountability and giving voice to their victims. Learn more at https://www.icc-cpi.int.

Mr. Scotty Bruer

Founder, Peace Now

April 2017